Michael Schumacher’s First Ferrari to Be Auctioned
Michael Schumacher’s personal Ferrari F355 GTS is set to be auctioned. The sale will be conducted by RM Sotheby’s, with the car offered without a reserve price. This particular Ferrari was gifted to Schumacher in 1996 by the iconic Italian automaker upon his joining the Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 team. Widely regarded as Schumacher’s first personal Ferrari, this car marks the beginning of his extraordinary journey to becoming a seven-time world champion and breaking numerous records in the world of motorsport. The vehicle's history has been thoroughly documented, adding to its historical value.
After securing two consecutive world championships with Benetton, Schumacher joined Scuderia Ferrari in 1996. The team, which had not won a championship since 1979, presented him with a striking Ferrari F355 GTS in blue with a white leather interior. Schumacher specifically opted for a six-speed manual gearbox, making this model even more distinctive and tailored to his preferences.
The car was initially delivered to the company of Schumacher’s manager, Willi Weber, on April 30, 1996. Its first service was carried out on May 5, 1996, in Monaco, when the odometer read 1,639 kilometers. Schumacher used the car in Monte Carlo until at least September 1997, and it remained under Weber’s ownership until May 2002.
Today, the car has clocked approximately 47,500 kilometers. In 2020, it underwent Ferrari Classiche certification, where experts verified the originality of its components and paintwork. However, one notable exception is the engine, which has been identified as an upgraded version of the original 3.5-liter V8. While it’s possible that the modification was carried out from the outset, this detail remains unverified.
The car has been meticulously maintained at authorized Ferrari service centers. The most recent major service, performed in September 2024, included the replacement of the battery, spark plugs, timing belt, rear brake pads, and windshield. RM Sotheby’s has refrained from estimating the car’s value, but given its unique history and provenance, it is expected to command a significant price.
